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Mak- Students’ Guild proposes 15% tuition increment for incoming students

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On Monday 2nd July 2018, Makerere Universality Students’ Guild Special Committee presented a report; proposing a uniform and moderate 15% tuition increment for new students across all programs effective Academic Year 2018/2019. 

“There should be a uniform and moderate 15% increase in tuition fees across all programmes effective 2018/19 for the next 5 years. This however means that a student who joins the University at a given fees structure that has a 15% factored in, shall continue to pay similar fees until he/she completes the Course duration. The increment of 15% should only apply to first year students (effective 2018/2019) going forward and not continuing students,” highlighted the Special Committee appointed by the Makerere University Guild Cabinet and Guild Representative Council. 

The Students’ Guild Special Committee presented the report to the Chairperson of Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem amidst applause from the Vice Chancellor- Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration)-Prof. William Bazeyo, Deputy University Secretary-Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, the Academic Registrar- Mr. Alfred Masikye Namoah, Mrs Jackie Ayorekire-Manager of Revenue and Grants, Mr. Gordon Murangira-Personal Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Ms Naomi Kiconco-Legal Officer, and Ms Ritah Namisango-Senior Public Relations Officer. Journalists from various media houses also witnessed the handover of the report.

Towards the end of the Second Semester for the Academic Year 2017/2018 (in April 2018), the Makerere University Council approved increment of tuition for new students who were scheduled to join Makerere University in the Academic Year 2018/2019. It should be noted that earlier studies indicated that the realistic unit of education in the humanities is proposed at UGX.6million and UGX.10million for science based disciplines. The Makerere University Council’s decision to increase tuition was further informed by the Visitation Committee Report which recommended to the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni the need for Makerere University to charge the realistic unit cost of higher education.Considering the socio-economic conditions and the need to continue providing high quality education, the Makerere University Council approved tuition increment for incoming students by 49%.

The Guild President Papa Were Salim together with the Makerere Universality Students’ Guild Council Committee addressing the Chairperson of  Council, the Vice Chancellor and some members of University Management.

However, the Makerere University Students’ Guild led by the Guild President, H.E Were Salim protested against Makerere University Council’s decision to increase tuition for the incoming students by 49%.  During the meeting involving Makerere University Students’ Guild, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe together with Members of the Central Management held on Wednesday 18th April 2018 in the Main Building, Senior Common Room, the student leaders requested the Makerere University Council to defer the implementation of the tuition increment by 49% to enable the Students’ Guild to make further consultations.

Subsequently, the Makerere University Students’ Guild Cabinet and the Guild Representative Council democratically constituted a special committee comprising 15 members to review the Makerere University Council decision of increasing the tuition fees of incoming students by 49% effective Academic Year 2018/2019. 

Presenting the Committee’s Report on Monday 2nd July 2018, the Chairperson of the Students’ Guild Committee, Hon. Bandola Polly informed the Chairperson of Makerere University Council that the Committee studied the operations and fees structures of Universities in Uganda and East Africa. The Committee observed that Makerere University tuition fees were very low compared to other universities. This finding justified the need for Makerere University to increase tuition fees if the University was to continue providing higher quality education as well as professional services. The Universities benchmarked by the Students’ Guild Committee include: University of Nairobi, University of Rwanda, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Uganda Christian University.

L-R;  Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Chairperson of Council Eng.Dr. Charles Wana Etyem, Deputy University Secretary Mr. Yusuf Kiranda and  Manager, Grants and Revenue Mrs. Jackie Ayorekire.
Led by the Guild President, H.E Were Salim, the following Members of the Students’ Guild Committee gracefully handed over the report: 
•    Hon. Bandola Polly (Chairperson)
•    Hon. Kirabo Marion 
•    Hon. Isaac Kwagala 
•    Hon. Obedgiu Samuel 
•    Hon. Ssewalya Simon Peter
•    Hon. Kamukama Frank 

The report highlights that while the Visitation Committee recommended that Public Universities should charge a unit cost per program, the Committee has only considered a reasonable and moderate 15% tuition increment mainly considering our unique social-economic conditions as a country.

The report clearly indicates the need to improve students’ welfare and facilities. He  therefore emphasized the initiation of  a feedback  framework where all matters/policies that affect  students  are discussed  by students  leaders  beyond  the two student representatives  that sit  on the University Council  and its Committees.  

 “Today is a special day for I have witnessed the Makerere University Students’ Guild present its report to the Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Eng. Charles Wana-Etyem. I am happy that after wide consultations, the Special Students’ Guild Committee has proposed 15% tuition increment for incoming students. The Chairperson of Council is here to receive the recommendations from the Students’ Guild Committee, and he will present them to the Council for further consultation,” said the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. 

L-R;  Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Prof. William Bazeyo,  Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Chairperson of Council Eng.Dr. Charles Wana Etyem and Deputy University Secretary Mr. Yusuf Kiranda.

The Chairperson of Council, Eng. Dr. Charles Wana-Etyem thanked the Makerere University Students’ Guild and Guild Representative Council (GRCs) for undertaking a comparative study that informed the Guild’s proposal of 15% tuition increment. He applauded the Committee for the remarkable findings and recommendations that will inform the new fees structure for undergraduate students. 

Eng. Dr. Wana Etyem urged   student leaders to always use dialogue when seeking for solutions to issues affecting students. He called upon the Guild Council to sensitize the incoming students on the Makerere University fees policy. 

“On behalf of the Makerere University Council, I am very happy that I have received the Students’ recommendation on the 15% tuition increment and the need to improve students’ welfare and facilities. We will schedule a Council Meeting within two weeks so that we formally handle this very important matter. It is good that the students have benchmarked institutions in Uganda and East Africa and established the realistic unit cost of higher education. I have taken note of your concern to improve students’ welfare, students support services and facilities and I hope that this report will benefit all the University students,” he said.

The Guild President H.E Were Salim commended the great work done by the Committee and called upon the University Management to consider the recommendations of the report. 

“This is a new era. The Vice Chancellor, Makerere University Management and Council and student leaders are going to work together for the good of Makerere University,” he said.

Article by Mak, Public Relations Office

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Vice Chancellor Updates Media on Medical Drones, Road Safety Research & Various Issues

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Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (Centre) with Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Left) and Dr. Fredrick Oporia (Right) at the Press Briefing on 29th May 2025. Press Conference featuring Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme and Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit (TRIAD) Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), Senior Common Room, Main Builing, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.

The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;

Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement

Good morning colleagues, members of the press,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.

The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.

The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.

We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.

Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:

  1. Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
    • Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
  2. Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
    • We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
  3. Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
    • Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
  4. Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
    • The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.

These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.

Detailed Presentations

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Prof. Aina Visits Mak, Evaluates CECAP II Progress

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Prof. Omotade Akin Aina (Left) receives the Makerere Souvenir Book from Prof. Tonny Oyana as Prof. Julius Kikooma (2nd Right) and Mr. Charles Lwanga (Right) witness. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).

During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.

Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting. Prof. Omotade Akin Aina-Carnegie Corporation of New York meeting to discuss progress of Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics, 23rd May 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.

CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.

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Directorate of Graduate Equips Schools and Colleges with Training in Philosophy of Methods

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By Moses Lutaaya

The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.

In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”

Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.

“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”

He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”

 The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.

During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”

Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.

Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”

He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”

 For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.

 Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”

He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”

 Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.

“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.

Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”

Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.

The Philosophy of Methods training was organized by Directorate of Graduate Training with funding support from the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA).

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